Things to Do in Astana with Kids

Written and fact-checked by the Yalla Travel editorial team

What are the best things to do in Astana with kids?

The best things to do in Astana with kids are Khan Shatyr and its indoor beach, the Baiterek tower, the Nur Alem sphere at the former EXPO grounds, an oceanarium and the city's riverside parks.

Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan, and its main landmarks sit within about 5 km of each other along the Ishim River. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap by Israeli standards, and buses run on a city card; check current fares and apps before the trip.

The city is flat and wide, with broad boulevards and strong wind, so even short distances feel longer than on a map. Most family-friendly venues are modern, have lifts and baby-changing rooms, and are heated in winter. Summer is the season for the embankment, fountains and parks, with daytime highs often near 30 C.

Is Khan Shatyr worth it for kids?

Yes, Khan Shatyr is the most reliable all-weather stop in Astana, a tent-shaped building with shops, rides and an indoor beach.

• Sky Beach Club: indoor beach with warm sand and pools
• Dream Island: children's amusement park inside
• Shopping and food court: breaks between activities
• Cinema and bowling: options for older kids

The building is about 150 m high and its transparent roof keeps the interior warm in winter. Allow 3 to 5 hours. Individual attractions have separate tickets, and prices, age and height limits change, so check the official sites on the day.

The nearest landmark is the Baiterek tower, about 2 to 3 km away, so the two can be combined in one day by taxi. Baiterek is a 97 m tower whose glass sphere holds the viewing platform, reached by lift. Queues form at weekends and in summer evenings, so arrive earlier in the day when children are fresh.

What can you do in Astana with kids at night?

At night, the best family options are the illuminated Baiterek and embankment walk, Khan Shatyr and a performance at Astana Opera.

1. Eat an early dinner near the Nur-Zhol Boulevard.
2. Walk to Baiterek for the evening lights.
3. Warm up in a café or mall.
4. Take a taxi back to the hotel by 21:00 with younger children.

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (the glass pyramid) and the Hazrat Sultan Mosque are also lit in the evening. Astana Opera has family matinees and ballet performances; check the schedule online and book ahead.

In winter, temperatures drop below minus 10 C on many nights, so evening walks should be short. Dress children in a base layer, a mid layer and a windproof coat, and keep a warm place such as a mall within a few minutes' walk.

What are the best things to do in Astana in winter?

In winter, spend the days indoors at Khan Shatyr, the National Museum and Nur Alem, and keep outdoor stops to 30 to 45 minutes.

Astana is one of the coldest capitals in the world, on an open steppe with strong winds. Pack thermal layers, insulated boots, a hat covering the ears and gloves for children. Taxis are the practical way to move between sights in winter.

Which museums work well with children in Astana?

The National Museum of Kazakhstan and the Nur Alem sphere are the best museums for children, with large halls and interactive displays.

• National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan: halls on history, archaeology and the Golden Man
• Nur Alem sphere: eight floors of energy-themed exhibits, observation views
• Museum of the First President: history of independent Kazakhstan
• Astana Opera: guided tours and evening shows

Nur Alem is the spherical Kazakhstan pavilion from EXPO 2017, which was held in Astana. The grounds around it are open as a public area, and the exhibits inside are mainly in Kazakh, Russian and English. Check the official sites for opening days, because museums commonly close one day a week.

Is the EXPO area worth it, and what is a 2-day plan?

Yes, the EXPO area is worth a half day, and a two-day plan combines it with Khan Shatyr, Baiterek and the embankment.

The EXPO grounds are about 6 to 8 km from the center and are reached by taxi or bus in around 20 minutes. In winter the pavilions can be reached indoors, but the paths between them are open to wind.

Visitors who have a third day can add the Duman complex and the Hazrat Sultan Mosque.

What practical tips help families traveling from Israel to Astana?

Check flights, entry rules and weather before you book, and plan for a time difference of two to three hours.

• Flights: check current schedules for direct and connecting routes from Tel Aviv
• Entry: check the Kazakhstan official sources and the Israeli Foreign Ministry for rules for Israeli passport holders
• Travel advisories: read the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) warnings for Kazakhstan before booking
• Time zone: Kazakhstan uses UTC+5, two to three hours ahead of Israel
• Airport: about 20 km from the center, around 25 to 40 minutes by taxi
• Money: local currency is the tenge; carry a card and some cash
• Language: Russian is widely used, with Kazakh as the state language

For kosher food and Shabbat arrangements, check with the local Jewish community or a Chabad house in Astana before the trip. Do not assume supervised food is available in restaurants. Bring packaged kosher snacks for children if needed, and check airline kosher meal options when booking flights.

What mistakes should families avoid in Astana?

The most common mistakes are underestimating the cold, planning too much outdoor walking and visiting on closing days.

• Light clothing: temperatures can fall below minus 20 C in winter
• Long outdoor routes: distances between landmarks are larger than they look
• Single-day cramming: keep to two or three sights per day
• No indoor backup: keep Khan Shatyr or a museum as a fallback
• Unchecked closing days: check museum days off and holiday closures
• Unprepared strollers: snow and ice make strollers hard, so a carrier helps